January 1, 2009
2621 West 15th Place
Chicago, Illinois 60608
Attention: Hazard Communication Coordinator
Ryerson Customer:
Enclosed are the most recent Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the products we
distribute. The information contained in the MSDS and their distribution to you are the
principal means of achieving an effective Hazard Communication Program and satisfying
the "Right-to-Know" laws.
The enclosed MSDS reflects the result of the hazard evaluation process and should be
utilized for health and safety training or compliance with "Right-to-Know" laws, not for
specification purposes. You will find wording enclosed for satisfying labeling
requirements.
Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know and 40 CFR Part
372 require us to inform you that a product or products you purchase from us may
contain one or more regulated chemicals. This information may be important to you if
under the Act you are required to estimate emission releases of applicable regulated
chemicals. If you are unsure that you must report or require further information, call the
U.S. EPA Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know hotline at (800) 424-
9346 or (703) 412-9810 in Washington D.C.
Please note that this notice must accompany the MSDS and if you repackage or otherwise
redistribute this product to other industrial customers, a notice similar to this one must be
forwarded to those customers.
Ryerson Safety Committee
Material Safety Data Sheet Ryerson, Inc..
2621 W. 15th Place
Brass Alloys
Chicago, Illinois 60608
Section 1 - Product Identification
Manufacturer's Name: Various Date Prepared: January 1, 2009
Product Name / Trade Name: Common Alloy / Grade:
Brass Alloys Half Hard, Free Cutting,
Leaded Naval, Naval
Section 2 - Hazardous Ingredients / Identity Information Product Identification
Note: Products under normal conditions do not represent and inhalation, ingestion, or contact Health Hazard
Permissible Air Level (3)
Ingredient (1) CAS No. Wt. % (2) OSHA PEL ACGIH TLV
Copper (Cu) (dust & mist-inhalable particulate) 7440-50-8 55-90 1 (1)
(fume & respirable fraction) 0.1 (0.2)
Lead (Pb) (inorganic compounds) 7439-92-1 3.7 0.05 0.05
Lead chromate (as Pb) 7758-97-6 Not established 0.05
(as Cr) Not established 0.012
Nitrogen (N) 7727-37-9 Not established Not established
Nitric oxide 10102-43-9 25 ppm, 30 25 ppm, 31
Nitrogen dioxide 10102-44-0 5 ppm, 9 ceiling 3 ppm, 5.6
Oil Mist, mineral 8012-95-1 5 5
Oil Mist, mineral containing a total of 15 PAH's Not established 0.005
listed as carcinogens by the NTP
Oxygen (O) 7782-44-7 Not established Not established
Ozone 10028-15-6 0.1 ppm, 0.2 0.05 ppm ceiling
Tin (Sn) (metal & inorganic) 7440-31-5 1.0 2 2
(organic compounds) 0.1 0.1
Tin oxide (except SnH4 as Sn) Not established 2
Welding fumes Not established 5
Zinc (Zn) (chromates) 13530-65-9 45.0 Not established 0.01
11103-86-9 Not established 0.01
37300-23-5 Not established 0.01
Zinc oxide (total dust) 1314-13-2 15 10
(fume/respirable fraction) 5 5
Section 3 - Physical Data
Material Is (normal conditions): Solid Appearance and Odor: Yellow-Brown Metal, Odorless
Melting Point (Base Metal) : 1590-1900 F Vapor Pressure (mm Hg): N/A
Boiling Point (Base Metal): N/A Vapor Density (Air =1): N/A
Solubility in Water: N/A Evaporation Rate: N/A
Specific Gravity (H2O=1): ~7.5-9.0
Section 4 - Fire and Explosion Hazard Data
Note: Products in the solid state present no fire or explosion hazard. Small chips, fines and dust may ignite readily.
Flash Point: N/A Flammable Limits: N/A LEL: N/A UEL: N/A
Extinguishing Media:
Dry powdered dolomite, dry sand or dry graphite; DO NOT USE water on molten metal.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures:
Use self-contained NIOSH breathing apparatus in pressure and demand mode.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:
DO NOT USE water on molten metal. Use coarse water spray on chips, turnings, etc.
Additional Information:
Arc or spark generated when welding or burning could be a source of ignition for combustion and flammable materials. Dust clouds
may be explosive; prevent formation.
Section 5 - Reactivity Data
Stability: Stable Conditions to Avoid: Make certain any material to be re-melted is free of moisture.
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):
Incompatible with mercury, ammonia, acetylene and acids. Avoid exposure during storage to strong acids, bases or oxidizing agents.
Toxic gases, aerosols and vapors may be released in a fire involving copper alloys if fumes of other compounds or other contacting
materials are involved.
Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts:
Metallic dust or fumes may be produced during welding, burning, grinding and possibly machining. Refer to ANSI Z49.1.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will Not Occur Conditions to Avoid: N/A
Section 6 - Health Hazard Data
Note: Products in their usual physical form do not pose any health hazards. However, operations such as burning, welding, sawing,
brazing, or grinding may result in the following effects if exposures exceed permissible limits.
Route(s) of Entry: Inhalation: Yes Skin Contact: Yes Eye Contact: Yes Ingestion: No
Health Hazards:
Acute: Excess exposure to all metallic fumes and dusts may result in irritation of eyes nose and throat. Also high concentrations of
fumes and dusts of iron-oxide, manganese and copper may result in metal fume fever.
Chronic: Chronic and prolonged inhalation of high concentrations of fumes or dust of the following elements may lead to the conditions
listed opposite the element:
Copper No chronic debilitating symptoms indicated. Inhalation of Cu dusts, fumes and mists may cause irritation of the
eyes, nose and throat and a flu-like illness called metal fume fever. Early symptoms of metal fume fever include a
metallic or sweet taste in the mouth, dryness and irritation of the throat and coughing. These symptoms may
progress to shortness of breath, headache, fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue and
profuse sweating. The attack may last 6-48 hours and is more likely to occur after a period away from the job.
Chronic overexposure to copper fumes may result in blood disorders (anemia) . Repeated or prolonged exposure to
Cu fumes may cause discoloration of hair, hands, and soles of the feet (keratinization).
Carcinogenicity: N/A NTP? No IARC? No OSHA Regulated? No
Lead Lead is an accumulated poison. Inhalation effects of exposure to fumes or dust of inorganic lead may not develop
quickly. Symptoms may include decreased physical fitness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, headache, aching bones and
muscles, constipation, abdominal pains and decreasing appetite. The effects are reversible and complete recovery is
possible. Inhalation of large amounts of lead may lead to seizures, coma and death. Chronic or acute inhalation
exposures to the fumes or dusts of inorganic lead compounds (such as lead oxide) can adversely affect several
organ systems including the nervous system, the gastrointestinal system, the hematological system and renal
system. The early effects are characterized by fatigue, constipation, muscle aches, abdominal pains, and decreased
appetite. Later signs and symptoms can include anemia, pallor, a "lead Line" on the gums, and reduced hand-grip
strength. Lead colic produces intense abdominal cramping which can be accompanied by constipation, nausea, and
vomiting. A condition called "wrist drop" can develop if the peripheral nervous system is affected. Severe central
nervous system effects (referred to as lead encephalopathy) usually only occur after heavy and rapid lead exposures.
Signs and symptoms may include headache, dizziness, convulsions, delirium, coma, and possibly death. Long-term
exposures can also produce kidney damage with possible decreased renal function leading to such conditions called
stannosis. Alcohol ingestion and physical exertion may bring on symptoms. Continued exposure can result in
decreased fertility and/or increased chances of miscarriage or birth defects. Lead inorganic dust and fume is listed as
possibly carcinogenic by IARC.
Carcinogenicity: N/A NTP? No IARC? A3 OSHA Regulated? No
Lead chromate Anemia, urinary dysfunction, weakness, constipation, nausea, nervous disorder, peripheral neuropathy and
- chromosomal changes.
Carcinogenicity: Yes NTP? No IARC? A2 OSHA Regulated? No
Nitrogen Oxides of nitrogen can cause irritation of the eyes, skin (when moist), and upper respiratory tract. Exposure to high
levels of nitrogen oxides can cause delayed pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) which may be fatal. Nitric oxide
can cause formation of methemoglobin which decreases the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Chronic overexposure
can cause pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs).
Carcinogenicity: N/A NTP? No IARC? No OSHA Regulated? No
Oil coating Some products are supplied with an oil coating or have residual oil from the manufacturing process. Prolonged or
repeated skin contact with oil may result in skin irritation, dermatitis, or both. Untreated mildly refined mineral oils
have produced skin tumors on repeated applications to laboratory animals. They are listed as carcinogenic on the
NTP and IARC. If the product is heated well above the ambient temperatures or machined, oil vapor or mist may be
generated. Overexposure to oil mist or vapor may cause asthma, bronchitis, respiratory tract irritation and
neurological effects such as headaches, dizziness, drowsiness and central nervous system depression.
Carcinogenicity: N/A NTP? No IARC? No* OSHA Regulated? No
*(ACGIH has published notice of intended change to A1 for oils containing a total of 15 polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH's) listed as carcinogens by the U.S. NTP)
Oxygen Oxygen can cause irritation of the eyes, skin (when moist), and upper respiratory tract. Exposure to high levels of
nitrogen oxides can cause delayed pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) which may be fatal. Nitric oxide can cause
formation of methemoglobin which decreases the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Chronic overexposure can cause
pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs).
Carcinogenicity: N/A NTP? No IARC? No OSHA Regulated? No
Ozone Overexposure to ozone can result in mucus membrane and respiratory tract irritation. Severe overexposures can
cause pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
Carcinogenicity: N/A NTP? No IARC? No OSHA Regulated? No
Tin The toxicity of inorganic tin compounds is generally low. Chronic high level exposure to the dust or fumes of tin
oxides can result in a benign pneumoconiosis called stannosis, which is reported not to be disabling. No tissue
reaction or pulmonary dysfunction has been associated with this lung condition.
Carcinogenicity: N/A NTP? No IARC? No OSHA Regulated? No
Welding Welding fumes cannot be classified simply. The composition and quantity of both are dependent on the alloy being
fumes - welded and the process and electrodes used. Reliable analysis of fumes cannot be made without considering the
nature of the welding process and system being examined; reactive metals and alloys such as aluminum and titanium
are arc-welded in a protective, inert atmosphere such as argon. These arcs create relatively little fume, but they do
create an intense radiation which can produce ozone. Similar processes are used to arc-weld steels, also creating a
relatively low level of fumes. Ferrous alloys also are arc-welded in oxidizing environments that generate considerable
fume and can produce carbon monoxide instead of ozone. Such fumes generally are composed of discrete particles
of amorphous slags containing iron, manganese, silicon, and other metallic constituents depending on the alloy
system involved. Chromium and nickel compounds are found in fumes when stainless steels are arc-welded. Some
coated and flux-cored electrodes are formulated with flourides and the fumes associated with them can contain
significantly more flourides than oxides. Because of the above factors, arc-welding fumes frequently must be tested
for individual constituents that are likely to be present to determine whether specific TLV's are exceeded.
Conclusions based on inhalable concentration are generally adequate if no toxic elements are present in welding rod,
metal, or metal coating and conditions are not conducive to the formation of toxic gases. Are listed as possibly
carcinogenic to humans by IARC.
Carcinogenicity: See above NTP? No IARC? No OSHA Regulated? No
Zinc No chronic debilitating symptoms indicated. Exposure to dust or fines presents a low health risk by inhalation.
Subjecting zinc or alloys containing zinc to high temperatures (such as occurs during welding) will cause the
formation of zinc oxide. Exposure to zinc oxide fumes subsequent to burning, welding and molten metal can result in
"zinc chills," a flu-like illness (metal fume fever). Onset of symptoms may be delayed 4-12 hours. Early symptoms of
metal fume fever include a metallic or sweet taste in the mouth, dryness and irritation of the throat and coughing.
These symptoms may progress to shortness of breath, headache, fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting,
weakness, fatigue and profuse sweating. The attack may last 6-48 hours, leaves no effect, and is more likely to
occur after a period away from the job. Gastrointestinal inflammation has been reported in animal studies.
Carcinogenicity: N/A NTP? No IARC? A1* OSHA Regulated? No
*(for zinc chromates)
Additional Information:
Welding and plasma cutting of alloys high in copper (2000 and 7000 series) may present an overexposure to copper fumes..
Since lead is a cumulative toxic metal by inhalation or ingestion, appropriate industrial precautions to guard against these two routes of
exposure need to be taken when handling these alloys. Sampling to establish the lead level exposure to airborne particulate or fumes
is possible. Consult OSHA Lead standard 29 CFR 1910.1025 for specific health/industrial hygiene precautions and requirements to
follow when handling lead compounds.
NTP (National Toxicology Program) Classifications:
Group 1: Known to be carcinogenic; sufficient evidence from human studies.
Group 2: Reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen; limited evidence from studies in humans or sufficient evidence from studies in
experimental animals.
IARC ( International Agency for Research on Cancer) Classifications:
Group A1 - Confirmed Human Carcinogen: The agent is carcinogenic to humans based on the weight of evidence from epidiologic
studies of, or convincing clinical evidence in, exposed humans.
Group A2 - Suspected Human Carcinogen: The agent is carcinogenic in experimental animals at dose levels, by route(s) of
administration, at site(s), of histologic type(s), or by mechanism(s) that are considered relevant to worker exposure.
Available epidemiologic studies are conflicting or insufficient to confirm an increased risk of cancer in exposed humans.
Group A3 - Animal Carcinogen: The agent is carcinogenic in experimental animals at dose levels, by route(s) of administration, at
site(s), of histologic type(s), or by mechanism(s) that are not relevant to worker exposure. Available epidemiologic studies
do not confirm an increased risk of cancer in exposed humans. Available evidence suggests that the agent is not likely to
cause cancer in humans except under uncommon or unlikely routes or levels of exposure.
Group A4 - Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen: There are inadequate data on which to classify the agent in terms of its
Carcinogenicity in humans and/or animals.
Group A5 - Not Suspected as a Human Carcinogen: The agent is not suspected to be a human carcinogen on the basis of properly
conducted epidemiologic studies in humans.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:
Typical symptoms consist of a metallic taste in the mouth, dryness of the throat, chills, fever and influenza-like symptoms, usually
lasting from 12 to 48 hours.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:
Individuals with chronic respiratory disorders (i.e. asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, etc.) may be adversely affected by fume or
airborne particulate matter exposure.
Emergency and First Aid Procedures:
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air; if condition continues, consult a physician.
Eye Contact: Flush thoroughly with running water for 15 minutes to remove particulate; take care to rinse under eyelids. Obtain
medical attention.
Skin Contact: Remove particulate by washing thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical attention if condition persists. For minor
burns, apply cold water. For severe burns, seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion: Does not represent a hazard, if significant amounts of metal are ingested, consult physician.
Section 7 - Precautions for Safe Handling and Use
Steps to be taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:
Fine turnings and small chips should be swept or vacuumed. Scrap metal can be reclaimed for re-use.
Waste Disposal Method:
Used or unused product should be tested to determine hazard status and disposal requirements under federal, state or local laws and
regulations.
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storing:
See Section 4.
Other Precautions:
Not requested by USA Department of Transportation.
Section 8 - Control Measures
Respiratory Protection:
Appropriate dust/mist/fume respirator should be used to avoid excessive inhalation of particulates. If exposure limits are reached or
exceeded, use NIOSH/MSHA approved equipment.
Ventilation: Use with adequate ventilation to meet exposure limits listed in Section 2.
Eye Protection: Safety glasses/face shields should be worn when grinding, cutting, or welding.
Protective Gloves: Should be worn as required for welding, burning or handing operations.
Other Protective Clothing/Equipment: As required depending on operations and safety codes.
Work / Hygienic Practices: Wash with soap and water.
Disclaimer
The information in this MSDS was obtained from sources which we believe are reliable. However, the information is provided without
any representation or warranty, express or implied regarding the accuracy or correctness.
The conditions or methods of handling, storage, use and disposal of the product are beyond our control and may be beyond our
knowledge. For this and other reasons, we do not assume responsibility and expressly disclaim liability for loss, damage or expense
arising out of or in any way connected with the handling, storage, use or disposal of the product.
This document has been prepared solely for the intent of compliance with the provisions of Subpart 2 of Part 1910 of title 29 of the
Code of Federal Regulations, paragraph 1910.1200.
Footnotes:
(1) Common names if applicable, appear in parentheses following the chemical names.
(2) Concentrations may vary somewhat between batches or lots. Where possible, a concentration range is indicated. Occasionally,
however, levels may even fall outside of the usual concentration ranges.
(3) All values, unless otherwise specified, refer to 8-hour time-weighted average concentrations and units are in mg/M3.
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